Baseball falls to Keystone in pitchers' duel

Batting

SALISBURY, Md. – The Salisbury University baseball team returned to action on Wednesday afternoon, hosting Keystone College. A run in the first inning was all the Sea Gulls could muster against tough pitching, as they fell to the Giants, 2-1.

The Sea Gulls were able to manufacture a run in the bottom of the first inning, despite not recording a hit. Leadoff hitter Justin Meekins reached based after being hit by a pitch to start the frame. Then Scott Ardoin was able to push Meekins over on a sacrifice bunt. A steal of third base by Meekins in the next at-bat was followed by an RBI ground out to the right side of the infield by Jay Perry.

Giants' pitcher Troy Terzi was tough to figure out the rest of the way, however, pitching seven additional shutout innings, striking out five batters and giving up only five hits and two walks. Tyler Widitz finished the game for Keystone, recording his first save of the year.

A two-run single in the top of the sixth inning proved enough for the Giants to escape with the victory.

Senior Austin Heenan got the start for the Sea Gulls and pitched a strong game as well, despite earning the tough-luck loss. Heenan tossed six full innings, giving up only two hits and striking out five batters. Connor Reeves was strong in relief of Heenan, going three no-hit innings, striking out three and giving up just one walk.

Right fielder Colby Dean led Salisbury offensively, going 2-for-4. He currently leads the team with a .556 batting average to start the season.

The team returns to action on Friday, March 9 when it hosts Neumann University. First pitch is set for 3 p.m.